Drug & Alcohol Related Truck Accident Attorney In Hattiesburg
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is already among the most preventable causes of fatal accidents in Mississippi, but when commercial trucks and impaired drivers mix on the roadways, the consequences can be especially severe. A Hattiesburg drug & alcohol related truck accident lawyer can help injured victims and families seek justice when a negligent truck driver or trucking company has jeopardized your safety, along with others on the road.
Mississippi drug and alcohol related truck accident claims are often filed in Forrest County courts after crashes on state or federal highways, such as Highway 49 and I-59, in Hattiesburg, where commercial traffic is frequent. The Forrest County Courthouse in Hattiesburg expects to see detailed proof of impairment, negligence, and the harm that it caused to each plaintiff.
About WaideLaw
WaideLaw approaches every truck accident claim that involves driver impairment with both urgency and a keen eye for detail. We serve individuals and families in and around Hattiesburg who have been injured by irresponsible and unsafe commercial driving.
WaideLaw is actively involved in the local community, including sponsoring youth sports leagues that help instill character, discipline, and teamwork in our future leaders.
We value hard work, taking responsibility, and keeping your word. Inspired by the challenge in Isaiah 1:17 to “seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow,” this firm is dedicated to taking on powerful interests and standing up for individuals and families that have been harmed by negligence.
The Unique Danger of Impaired Truck Drivers
Commercial truck drivers are held to higher standards for a reason. Driving a tractor-trailer requires a high degree of focus, sound decision-making, and quick reflexes. Drugs and alcohol are negative modifiers for all three skills. Even seemingly innocuous substances can radically impair a truck driver’s ability to respond to the traffic around them, control their speed, and make safe judgments while driving.
Due to their size and weight, a truck does not need to make a wide turn or travel at high speeds to cause serious harm. A single moment of driver distraction or poor decision-making can have effects for miles around. When drugs and alcohol cause a crash, the weight of a large truck often leads to serious injury to the occupants of smaller vehicles, and sometimes death.
In 2022, there were 5,782 impairment-related fatal truck accident crashes. Of these, 140 were due to being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, and/or medication. This accounted for 2.4% of these fatal crashes.
Drug & Alcohol Related Truck Accident Laws
Drug and alcohol related truck accident claims are governed by a combination of Mississippi negligence law and a strict set of federal safety regulations. Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a clear violation of safety regulations, as it is illegal to do so under any circumstances.
At the federal level, commercial truck drivers are governed by a series of rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These federal rules prohibit drivers from operating a truck with any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood or using controlled substances.
They also impose a number of post-accident drug and alcohol testing requirements, as well as record-keeping requirements for driver testing and qualifications. These regulations are strict, and their violation can help establish fault against both a driver and a trucking company.
Hire a Drug & Alcohol Related Truck Accident Lawyer
Deciding to hire a drug & alcohol related truck accident lawyer is an important step if you or someone you love is injured in a crash that involves driver impairment. Trucking companies and insurers often move quickly to shape the narrative after a crash, and having legal representation can help preserve evidence, coordinate professional analysis, and keep responsible parties from escaping liability.
Your Hattiesburg drug & alcohol related truck accident lawyer can also take over all negotiations, handle complex regulatory issues, and prepare your case for trial if a settlement cannot be reached. This level of advocacy is critical in these cases, especially when they involve impaired drivers.
FAQs
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Settlements for truck accident claims are varied, as these accidents commonly result in catastrophic injuries. The value of any given case can be affected by the severity of injuries, medical costs, long-term care requirements, lost wages, and the impact the injuries have on the victim’s day-to-day life. If impairment or noncompliance with safety regulations were factors in the accident, the claimant may have a higher settlement, as liability is more easily proved.
What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to File a Claim Against a Trucking Company?
To file a claim against a trucking company, you need an attorney who has a focus on and has a history in truck accident cases. Trucking litigation involves federal safety standards, corporate defendants, and complicated insurance issues. An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to investigate driver actions, company policies, and compliance failures that can demonstrate liability beyond the driver.
How Do I Choose the Ideal Truck Accident Lawyer?
The ideal truck accident attorney has commercial vehicle experience, knows the federal rules that govern trucking, and has a history of litigating against large corporations and insurance companies. Choose a lawyer who is known for a thorough investigation, consults with accident reconstructionists, and will not hesitate to take a case to trial when an insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement.
What Type of Lawyer Handles Truck Accident Cases?
Truck accident claims are usually taken on by personal injury lawyers. These lawyers represent those who have been injured by another’s negligence. They deal with claims against insurance companies, medical evidence, and damages. When an accident involves commercial vehicles or more serious injuries, a personal injury lawyer with truck accident experience may be the right choice.
Contact WaideLaw Today
If you or a loved one was injured or suffered property damage due to a drug & alcohol related truck accident, WaideLaw can help you hold the responsible parties accountable so you can get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to begin seeking the right compensation.
